Catching up with. CIO, BBC, Keith Little

CIO Quarterly: What's the biggest challenge facing CIOs right now?

In my opinion, the biggest challenge is managing change, understanding business needs and delivering technology effectively. I'm involved in a project that is looking at changing how we produce content across the BBC, called the Digital Media Initiative (DMI), and is a great example of how working closely with business areas delivers successful change. The DMI project will take the BBC from producing its content on tape to digital files. This means that not only can we say goodbye to couriering programme tapes around the country, but that content can be accessed and worked on by numerous BBC staff at once. So while we are working on a version of a programme for TV we can also prepare the web output as well.

CIO Quarterly: What could you not do your job without? 

Unfortunately, email!

CIO Quarterly: Would you hire an ex-hacker?

I’m not sure if there is such a thing as an ex-hacker. If the question is whether I would employ somebody who engages in criminal activities, then the BBC has policies for this.  However, in my mind hackers are not criminals and are some of the most innovative and creative people around; they come up with new ideas, new tricks and new ways of doing things. So with respect to my definition, absolutely yes. Check out ww.bbc.co.uk/backstage, where we actively encourage people to engage in doing new things with BBC content.

CIO Quarterly: How do you demonstrate the value of your IT investment in the boardroom?

In an organisation like the BBC, with the absence of a bottom line, investments are measured against audience-related metrics. We typically invest in three areas: operational, strategic and efficiencies. Each can be looked at from an audience perspective around keeping us on-air, and allowing us to be more creative and offer new services such as BBC iPlayer.

CIO Quarterly: What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love being in an environment that is constantly changing. The broadcast/media sector is going through an evolution and provides a constant set of challenges for us.  These changes can range from regulatory through to new audience services and impact everything from infrastructure and business systems through to all our production and broadcast technologies. There are not many places where you can work with some of the best creative people in the world, be part of fascinating projects and see the results each evening.

CIO Quarterly: What do you like least about being a CIO?

I am very lucky, there is nothing I can think of that would fit into the 'like least category'. As with any job there are good and bad parts, but its all part of the role.

CIO Quarterly: In your opinion, is it easier to teach a technologist about business or a business person about technology?

For me it's not about teaching one type or the other, it's very much getting the correct blend within a team. Only then can you manage successful change.

CIO Quarterly: What's on your 2008 technology wish-list?

Replacement for email! My wish list wouldn't contain specific technologies; it's more around how technologies are applied effectively.

CIO Quarterly: What's your top leadership tip?
 
Integrity and consistency.